[Rec_bike] Excellent read on cycling and world affairs in the 1890s

[Arne Freyberger]

  Read an excellent book, The Lost Cyclist, while on vacation about 
cycling adventures at the dawn of cycling 1880s, before the 
automobile.    You can read the summary on amazon;   the book tells the 
tale of a solo around the world attempt that ended pre-maturely in 
Turkey.   From the cycling perspective the details on bikes (40lbs!), 
gear(camera with glass plates strapped to his back) and rides/races are 
fascinating.   Details on interactions with different cultures 
(especially China, Persia and Turkey) in the 1890s is also fascinating.

http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Cyclist-Adventurer-Mysterious-Disappearance/dp/0547195575/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281973318&sr=8-1


Unfortunately I read it electronically, so I don't have a copy to lend.

Arne

-- 
Arne Freyberger
Director of Accelerator Operations
Jefferson Lab           Office: (757) 269-6268
12000 Jefferson Avenue  Cell:   (757) 952-9558
Newport News, VA 23606  Email:  freyberg at jlab.org